UK-based vegan pet food company Omni has unveiled a new addition to its product line – a nutritionally complete cat food featuring cultivated chicken meat. Dr. Guy Sandelowsky, Omni’s chief veterinarian and co-founder, emphasized the significance of this innovation, noting that cats, being carnivores, require specific nutrients found primarily in animal tissues. Sandelowsky highlighted the cruelty-free nature of the cultivated chicken meat, which provides essential nutrients without the ethical concerns associated with traditional livestock farming practices.
Omni, established by two entrepreneurs with diverse backgrounds, aims to revolutionize the pet food industry by collaborating with experts in veterinary nutrition and leveraging advanced technologies. Sandelowsky, a veterinary surgeon, partnered with Shiv Sivakumar, a former investment banker, to develop Omni’s pet food range in conjunction with the UK’s Nottingham Vet School and experts affiliated with the European Pet Food Industry (FEDIAF) association.
The introduction of the cultivated chicken meat cat food represents a significant milestone for Omni and its brand partner, Meatly, as they strive to become pioneers in selling cultivated meat for pets. Despite initial skepticism regarding the limited supply and high costs of cultivated meat, Omni asserts that its proprietary protein chunking technology enables price parity with conventional meat-based products.
Omni’s commitment to innovation extends beyond product development; the company operates production facilities in the Netherlands and Poland and aims to expand its market presence across Europe, with a focus on key markets including Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy, and Switzerland.
In addition to its latest offering, Omni has garnered success with its dog food line made from pulse, algae, and yeast protein diets, serving over 20,000 customers and generating sales exceeding £2 million (US$2.5 million) as of March 2024.
Petfood Run Expands Market Share in Réunion Island
Petfood Run, the company behind the Kanéo brand, has made significant inroads into the pet food market on France’s Réunion island. Since its establishment in 2013, Petfood Run has captured a substantial portion of the island’s market share, which was previously reliant on imported pet food.
With Kanéo gaining popularity among Réunion’s pet owners, Petfood Run has introduced the island’s first dry pet food vending machines, catering to the local demand for convenient and quality pet nutrition. Clinanoo.re, a local news site, reported on the expansion, highlighting Petfood Run’s contribution to meeting the island’s pet food needs.
Germany’s Symrise Reports Positive Growth in Pet Food Segment
German group Symrise has announced robust growth in its Taste, Nutrition & Health segment, driven by increased demand for savory products and pet food. With a 7.5% organic sales growth in this segment, Symrise has witnessed double-digit percentage growth rates in its Pet Food division during the first quarter of fiscal year 2024.
Symrise attributes its growth to expanding capacities in key regions such as Latin America and Asia/Pacific, laying the groundwork for further international business expansion.
